Reading Journal Log:

Creativity and Discovery: The Work of Gregor Mendel

Read and analyze each question. Write your answer on the space provided.

1. In your own words, explain how Mendel's thinking demonstrates both a steady progression
from previous ideas about heredity and a break from those previous ideas.
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2. How does Mendel's work illustrate that observation and data analysis is not objective (i.e.,
scientists "see" through the lens of their theoretical commitments)?
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3. Many students today choose not to pursue science careers, thinking that science does not
require creativity. How does Mendel's original idea, approach to testing that idea, and his
analysis of data illustrate that science is a creative endeavor?
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4. Consider that Mendel's ideas involved "factors" for particular traits and the application of
mathematics and probability to biological systems. Why might scientists in Mendel's time have
found each of these ideas difficult to accept?
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